MILAN, Jan 23: Edin Džeko netted a last-gasp winner to help Inter Milan beat virus-hit Venezia 2-1 and move five points clear at the top of Serie A on Saturday.
It was Džeko’s first goal since the beginning of December. Nicolò Barella had canceled out Thomas Henry’s shock opener for Venezia in the first half.
Defending champion Inter consolidated its lead ahead of the eagerly anticipated derby match against second-place AC Milan after the international break.
Venezia remained two points above the relegation zone.
Inter players were wearing special edition jerseys to mark Chinese New Year, with the names of the players in Chinese lettering. The club is owned by Chinese retail giant Suning.
It was the visitors who took a surprise lead in the 19th minute when Ethan Ampadu whipped in a fantastic cross to the back post and Henry headed it in off the underside of the crossbar.
Venezia defended well and it took Inter until five minutes from halftime to equalize. Visiting goalkeeper Luca Lezzerini did brilliantly to parry Ivan Perišić’s volley from close range but Barella slid in to fire in the rebound.
Venezia was left fuming as it felt there was a foul by Inter forward Džeko on Marco Modolo in the buildup – leaving the defender with a black eye – but the goal was awarded after a VAR check.
Inter wasted several chances to take the lead in the second half. Just when it appeared as if the Nerazzuri would pay for their profligacy, Džeko – who had been guilty of most of those misses – headed in Denzel Dumfries’ cross in the final minute.
Atalanta also had several players out with COVID-19 for its match at Lazio but it managed to pick up what could prove to be a precious point in a 0-0 draw.
Genoa showed some improvement in its first match under new coach Alexander Blessin in a 0-0 draw against Udinese. (AP)
